Hemp
- This article is about the cultivation and uses of hemp. For the biology of the plant, see Cannabis. For the drug, see Cannabis (drug). For other uses of the word hemp, see Hemp (disambiguation).
Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) is a plant and the fibers made from it. It is a subspecies of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is usually used to make cloth and other textiles, and ropes.
History
[change | change source]Hemp is one of the oldest plants humans have grown and used. Hemp was domesticated in Asia over 10,000 years ago. It was already used to make clothes, ropes, and an early form of paper. The seeds were eaten, and the plant had medicinal uses. From there the use of hemp spread. In Europe, hemp was at least used 5,500 years ago. It is one of the earliest domesticated plants recorded.[1] It is quite strong and does not need many pesticides (to keep away bugs)[2] and no herbicides.[3] Linen and hemp were the most important fiber plants in Europe for a long time.
Hemp is similar to marijuana, but contains very little THC, the chemical that makes people feel good while using marijuana. Hemp is completely legal in most U.S. states, France, Spain, Indonesia, England, and Ireland.
Uses for hemp
[change | change source]Hemp can be used for the following things:
- Building materials
- Hempcrete
- Mud bricks
- Rammed earth
- Wallboard
- Cellulose based plastics
- Paints and finishes
- Paper
- Medicine (cannabidiol)
- Food & edible oil (seeds)
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Information paper on industrial hemp (industrial cannabis)". wwww.hempto.ca. Retrieved 2008-07-05.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "HIA: Resources: Education: FAQs & Facts: Facts". www.thehia.org. Archived from the original on 2015-06-17. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ↑ "HIA: Resources: Education: FAQs & Facts: FAQs: Answers". www.thehia.org. Archived from the original on 2013-10-10. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
Other websites
[change | change source]
Media related to Hemp at Wikimedia Commons
